Rep. Alexandria Osasio-Cortez got a first-hand look at the extensive damage in caused by Ida at a Bronx coffee shop.

Hansel Blandino, owner of the Miles Cafe Coffee Bar in Throgs Neck, says water seemed to have gushed from every corner of his cafe basement during Wednesday’s storm. Days later, he and other nearby businesses are still cleaning up.

“I don't know the severity of the electrical damage and whether it's localized, or something bigger going on up there,” Blandino says.

He gave Rep. Ocasio-Cortez a first-hand look at the damaged ceiling and floors caused by the excessive amount of rain.

The congresswoman says legislators are looking at ways to help shop owners recover from the storm, especially those who are still struggling to bounce back from the pandemic.

“The National Flood Insurance Program is something we're working on in the Build It Back Better Act, the Reconciliation Act, right now in Congress,” Rep. Ocasio-Cortez says. “We are trying to expand it so the National Flood Insurance Program can cover more homeowners and tenants as well.”

Marjorie Velazquez, the Democratic nominee for City Council for District 17, says more conversations must take place on climate change.

“I've been in conversations with Sen. Schumer about that how we can make this stronger and looking at other ways within a community that can provide for neighbors,” she says.

Blandino, like many shop owners, is now working with his insurance company to recoup the loss caused by the storm.